Funny, but I never liked the AF Canons as much as the equivalent Nikons, like the F4/5 or F100. Having said that, I really like the older FD Canon like the EF and F1...so go figure. Just a personal thing but just didn't like the plasticky sort of feel to the EOS 3, but there are plenty of people who use and love them so the cameras are fine, as are the optics. I imagine the EOS1 would perform and last just as well as the F5 for example.

The EOS 3 is roughly the equivalent of the F100, but if you're willing to spend a bit more I'd say go for the 1N/1V to be honest, they are a half body camera as standard powered by a 2CR5 battery (housed in the removable grip), or you can buy the motordrive which lets you use 8 AAs and gives you the vertical grip too. This is (imo) more secure than the grip on the F100 as it replaces the standard handgrip too, instead of just screwing into the bottom.

Equivalent in the line up then it would be the EOS-3 for sure. As far as Nikon or Canon is better? I am a Nikon kind of guy so I think the Nikon is better but then it's not fair at all. I would say take your pick.

The EOS3 has no Nikon equivalent as Nikon never incorporated ECF - Eye Control Focus. Used it for years and one of the best features about it was that I could midroll rewind an unfinished roll, put it back in and advance to the next unused frame perfectly each and every time. Like the Nikon F100, the EOS3 doesn't have a 100% viewfinder.

That would be awesome. But that's beyond the camera's capabilities as the camera has no idea which particular film cassette you're putting in, and so only advances to frame 1. Only APS was capable of this, on account of its magnetic stripe. No idea if it actually did this, however.

EOS 1V.
None of these high-spec cameras are required for insightful, creative and conceptually well visualised photography and are best left to gear freaks to tinker with — particularly the silly, gimmicky "eye controlled focus" of the blighted EOS 3.

I like the eye controlled focus (on an Elan IIe and an Elan 7e - both of which I paid less than $50.00 for).

Of course, until very recently I never had any auto-focus, so take my comment with that in mind.

I would suggest to Christopher that the differences between all of the cameras listed in Fred's eight camera list are essentially refinements, and therefore the choice of what would be "best" for Christopher is most likely only determinable by Christopher.

Matt

Photography is a complex and fluid medium, and its many factors are not applied in simple sequence. Rather, the process may be likened to the art of the juggler in keeping many balls in the air at one time!

Ansel Adams, from the introduction to The Negative - The New Ansel Adams Photography Series / Book 2

I like the eye controlled focus (on an Elan IIe and an Elan 7e - both of which I paid less than $50.00 for).

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I still have my Canan EOS ElanII that my mom bought for me when I was in high school. It's been beat up, dropped, moved from place to place, and even did a stint in my sisters art classes when she was in high school.

I bought a battery for it some months ago and turned it on. The electronics work but the shutter goes "kssshhhhhhh CLICK"... Like its severely sticking somewhere. And after a few simultaneous clicks, it just sticks all together.

I'd like to get it repaired, but I'm afraid that the cost will be way way way more than I'm willing to pay.

I'd like to get it repaired, but I'm afraid that the cost will be way way way more than I'm willing to pay.

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There's a repairman in Sparks NV who specializes in EOS and T90 repair. Last time I had work done it cost me $125, including return post. On the other hand, a functioning Elan IIe can be had for $25. I am not wealthy, but I would rather spend the money than toss the camera and try to find another without problems.

Edit: I should point out that the $125 buys a complete CLA, including cleaning the shutter and replacing the disintegrating shutter bumper.